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I'm unfashionably building up a set of plus wheels for my hardtail and looking at putting a mary on the front, either the current super trail or I can still get hold of the old snakeskin version. Fair bit of weight gain on the current one so the snakeskin is tempting but wanted to see if anyone has experience of both in the plus size and which you prefer? I'm 70kg ish and find exo fine in maxxis 2.5wt. Ta
Snakeskin is ime adequate on the front, bugger all use on the rear. If you're OK with exo you'll be fine with snakeskin. So the question is really whether you like the feel of a stronger supportive sidewall. I don't care personally, as long as it keeps the air in, so I'd go exo but it's a matter of taste not better or worse.
The Super Trail will have a noticeable amount more sidewall support, something that I'd find useful myself, especially on a 2.8" tyre. However it's going to give you a 20-25% weight disadvantage approximately.
Plenty of experience here in Snakeskin V Super Trail in 2.35/2.4", but none in 2.8" though I'm afraid.
I had a 2.8 snakeskin on the hardtail. Was a great tyre but I have never punctured a front. The rear is a different matter.
I’m sure you will be fine with the snakeskin if you’ve been ok with EXO.
The plus snakeskin tyres also have a bit more sidewall protection than the older 2.35s. Helps with tyre squirm a bit.
I also have a 2.6 super trail on the full sus and would have happily used the snakeskin if it was available.
Not used a 2.8 super trail though.
Thanks for the input. I've picked up a minion dhf/dhr pair second hand to try and also the new nobby nic in super trail on an offer which I thought might make a faster but substantial enough rear. Was just thinking of trying the mary on the front over winter as its supposed to be better in the mud than the dhf, though I'm not sure if that translates up to plus size (and I understand most people don't rate plus in the mud in any case but it's fun to experiment!).
My only experience of schwalbe is a snakeskin rock razor which when compared to an exo aggressor feels a bit fragile but that could be due to the aggressor having a bit more rubber on it - but hence my question about snakeskin.. I don't think I can stomach the weight gain of the current supertrail Mary so will either get the snakeskin one or just stick with the dhf.